Dasybranchus geojedoensis sp. nov. (Annelida: Capitellidae), a New Capitellid Species from Southern Korea

Abstract

Dasybranchusgeojedoensis sp. nov., obtained from the soft sublittoral bottom in southern Korea, is described as a new species. This new species of Dasybranchus is easily distinguishable from its congeners by the protruded parapodial lobes in the final few thoracic chaetigers. Dasybranchus geojedoensis sp. nov. closely resembles D. bipartitus (Schmarda, 1861) in number and position of abdominal branchiae but differs in position of genital pores and lateral organs, range of thoracic tessellated chaetigers, and denticulation of the abdominal hooks. The partial mtCOI gene sequences of the new Korean species were significantly distinct from those of undescribed species of Dasybranchus from Australia. In this study, a key for known species of Dasybranchus is also provided.